DHL Express, the market leader in the express and logistics industry, officially opened its new purpose-built hub today near Dublin Airport. Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., officiated at the opening of the premises in Dublin Airport Logistics Park. The new hub is central to DHL's strategic development plan for its business in Ireland. The facility will be the focal point for all DHL's international air express, road express and domestic delivery services.

The purpose-built hub, which is located on a 13 acre site, utilises the latest state-of-the-art technology including a highly sophisticated automated sortation system which contains over 700 meters of conveyors and is capable of handling up to 7,000 parcels per hour. The system automatically routes national and international shipments to one of 118 pick-up and delivery doors, 24 cross-dock doors and 30 line-haul doors for distribution via the DHL national and international networks. Shipments for delivery to more than 220 countries serviced by DHL are consolidated on airline containers to connect with DHL's A300 airbus cargo aircraft nightly service from Dublin airport.

Bernard McCarthy, Director & General Manager of DHL Express in Ireland, said at today's official opening, "The completion of the new hub is a significant milestone for DHL Express in Ireland and reinforces our commitment to invest in our infrastructure and to further improve the services we offer to Irish businesses. The new facility is the centrepiece of our operational network in Ireland and will ensure that we are well positioned to meet the growing needs of our customers throughout the country."

McCarthy continued, "The new state-of-the-art hub will complement the 19 DHL Express Service Centres around Ireland and will serve to increase our operating capacity, further enhance shipment visibility through automated scanning whilst also improving our core operating processes within the business."

Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D. Minister for Transport stated; "DHL has made a significant investment in upgrading its facilities and after experiencing the infrastructure and technology being utilised in this hub, it is evident that they have raised the bar in terms of technology, innovation and quality."

Services

Logistics involves the process of planning, implementing and controlling the most efficient and cost-effective flow and storage of goods, including raw materials, in-process stocks, finished goods and related information. Transportation is effected on behalf of the customer from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Essentially, it is the science and art of ensuring that the right products reach the right place in the right condition and the right quantity at the right time at the minimum possible cost.